Save Us From Fulani Herdsmen, Tiv Group Begs FG

Socio-cultural group, Swem Karagbe club, has called on the federal government to save the Tiv nation from Fulani herdsmen attacks.

The group lamented that no Tiv area is safe to farm any longer as a result of attacks on farmers.

President of the club, Emmanuel Ukam, made the appeal at the weekend at the 20th anniversary of the club in Abuja.

“We are appealing to the government both at the federal and state levels to sincerely look at the crisis.’’

According to Ukam, Tiv people in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Plateau States have lost their farmlands to Fulani attacks and have nowhere to run to.

This is even as he called on the government to step up more action in agricultural activities by providing a conducive atmosphere for farmers through timely and adequate provision of fertilizers, agro-chemical, improved seeds, as well as acquiring farming equipment at a subsidised rate.

“Government should equally construct grains and fruits market in these states to save poor farmers from the hands of middlemen. This will go a long way in creating a greater impact on the economic life of farmers and boost the revenue generation of the state.

The president also hinted that his group is doing its best to promote the rich culture and language of the Tiv people.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Kurudu, Ezra Gomna, lauded the efforts of the club, stating that his grandfather once told him that Tiv people were the first settlers in Kurudu and that because of it he has high regards for them.

In an annual lecture titled ‘Economic development in Tivland. Challenges and Consequences’, Prof. Uketor Moti stressed that Tiv people, as the fifth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, has a role to play in the economic growth not only of the Tiv nation, but Nigeria at large.

He revealed that Tiv people are found not only in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Plateau States, but they are also indigenes of the FCT and Cross Rivers State, adding that Tivis the sixth most populous language spoken in Kebbi State.

Highlight of the event was the swearing-in of a new executive, presentation of awards to some members and a N10million appeal fund for the building of Tiv cultural hall at the club’s permanent site in Kurudu.